INK TANK – These don’t have a print head attached so DO NOT perform the paper towel method.

The T068 is the higher capacity version of the T069 cartridge.  However, the T068 is not compatible in all Epson printers that can use the T069 so verifying the customer has the correct cartridge for their specific model printer is important.

Not Recognizing

 

Verify you have the correct cartridge for your specific model printer.

 

Make sure the cartridge is installed correctly and fully inserted.  Make sure that you are installing the right color into the right slot.

 

There is a smart chip on the cartridge located on the end that is installed into the printer.  Check to see if there is any dirt or damage on the gold contact points.  It’s normal for the Epson name on the chip to be crossed out with permanent marker.  You can use a dry Q-tip to gently wipe the chip contacts.  Do not touch the chip with your fingers, as finger print oil can cause false readings.

You can try resetting the machine.  To do this; remove the cartridges from the printer, power the printer off, unplug the power cord for 10-15 seconds, re-insert the power cord, turn the printer on, and re-insert the cartridges.

 

A lot of times with the Epson printers you will need to go through the menu options to select the option to replace the cartridges.

–          On the NX200 series printers you can do this by holding down the Scan button as you are also pressing the Index Sheet button.  Release the buttons and use the arrows to select Ink Cartridge Replacement, then press the Start button.

–          On the NX400 series printers you can do this by pressing Setup, use the arrows to select Maintenance and press OK.  Then select Change Ink Cartridge and press OK.

–          For other Epson printer models refer to their User’s Guide, check the Shared Drive or you can visit Epson’s website to view a copy of a printer’s User’s Guide.

 

Sometimes when our cartridges are installed the LCD screen of certain Epson printers may ask if it is ok to use third party cartridges.  You must select Yes, the default option will have No selected so you must change it to Yes.

 

Print Quality Issues

 

There is a yellow piece of tape that must be removed prior to installation.  This opens a vent hole.  Do NOT remove the clear piece of plastic found on the nozzle at the bottom of the cartridge; the printer will puncture this during the cartridge replacement cycle.

 

Try shaking the cartridge or gently tapping it on a hard surface.  Take caution if the cartridge has already been open as ink may leak out of the punctured nozzle and vent hole.  A paper towel can be used to cover these two holes before attempting to shake or tap to prevent ink leakage.

 

A print head cleaning should be performed when experiencing any type of print quality issue.  On some Epson printers you will have the ability to select whether the cleaning will be done on the black or the colors depending on which cartridge is giving the issue to help conserve ink.  Print head cleaning does use a lot of ink so it should be done sparingly.  Epson recommends that if the first cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue to perform a second clean but allow the printer to sit for 10-15 minutes BEFORE attempting to do any printing.  This allows the ink to soak on the print head and help soften or loosen any dried ink which may be clogging the nozzles.

 

To perform the print head cleaning on a NX200 series;

–          Press the Index Sheet and Scan buttons at the same time

–          Use the left and right arrows to select Head Cleaning and then press Start to begin.

 

To perform the print head cleaning on a NX400 series;

–          Press Setup

–          Using the left and right arrows to select Maintenance, then press OK.

–          Select Head Cleaning and press OK.

–          Press Start to begin the cleaning.

 

Also, remove the cartridge and check the bottom to make sure the nozzle has been punctured.  While the cartridge is out check the slot in the printer to make sure there is no debris that may be blocking the ink from coming out correctly.

 

Not Fitting

 

The black T068 cartridge doesn’t fit in all Epson printers that use the T069 cartridges.  There’s ridges on the back of the cartridge which key the T068 differently than the T069.  On our cartridge we sometimes remove the ridge on a black T068 cartridge to allow it to be used as a black T069.  If a black T069 is not fitting into a printer that is correct for the cartridge check the ridge on the back.  The ridges on the cartridges only affect a very small number of Epson printers.

 

Also, double check they are installing the correct color into the correct slot.  You can check Epson’s website for the User’s Manual of the specific printer to see the correct color order.